Book Grp discussion: Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, by Jon Meacham (2012)

Primary tabs

Comments

After Richard recommended this book, I got it from the library. It is a Pulitzer-prize winner. It is long, but very readable, reputable, and insightful. I think we could have a good discussion about Meacham's and Jefferson's insights into how change is possible--how to participate in making the world a better place. Also, of course, we in the Jeff Center always want to know more about our namesake.

Books about the founders of (the United States of) America tell us more than biography: they tell of the values of the Enlightenment and it's centuries-long influence on public discourse--which is now under threat from the increasingly fact-free extreme right. Books like this remind us of our roots, both good and ill.

Based upon the reviews, this book will tell us some new things about Jefferson. It appeared to bug at least one Founding Father Purist, so I'm interested. However, the book is too long for one session. If we can spit it up over two months, that would work better for me.